A proposal to install a large solar power plant on the La Pedrera reservoir has resurfaced after reports revealed that state-owned water company Acuamed is considering a major photovoltaic project across parts of San Miguel de Salinas, Los Montesinos, Almoradí and Orihuela.
The development would help supply electricity to the Torrevieja desalination plant and reduce its substantial energy costs.
However, the Orihuela Chamber of Commerce believes there may be an alternative location. This week, the organisation suggested that La Pedrera reservoir could provide a more suitable site for the renewable energy project.
Powering Europe’s largest desalination plant
The Torrevieja desalination plant ranks among the largest facilities of its kind in Europe and currently produces around 80 cubic hectometres of water each year.
Authorities plan to increase production capacity to 120 cubic hectometres annually, representing a 50% expansion designed to strengthen agricultural water supplies across the region.
Nevertheless, desalination requires huge amounts of electricity. As a result, annual energy costs currently stand at an estimated €50 million.
A solar installation capable of generating at least 60 megawatts could therefore reduce reliance on conventional energy sources while helping to lower water costs for farmers.
An idea that is not new
In fact, the possibility of installing floating solar panels on the 1,400-hectare La Pedrera reservoir has been under discussion for several years.
Previously, government officials examined the concept and concluded that the reservoir’s reliance on artificial water transfers and desalinated supplies made the project technically viable.
However, environmental concerns soon emerged. The reservoir lies within an area connected to the proposed Sierra Escalona Natural Park, creating potential planning challenges.
Meanwhile, alternative proposals involving almost 200 hectares of agricultural land in Campo de Salinas faced strong opposition from landowners and local residents.
Chamber of Commerce supports reservoir option
Against this backdrop, the Orihuela Chamber of Commerce has renewed its support for the reservoir solution.
Speaking during a conference organised, Chamber president Mario Martínez argued that La Pedrera remains one of the most practical options available.
According to Martínez, the proposal drew inspiration from an award-winning project created by a young entrepreneur from Orihuela. The initiative explored the use of solar panels on irrigation reservoirs and water storage facilities.
Although he acknowledged that a project of this scale would alter the landscape, he stressed that the wider economic benefits should also be considered.
“The project is going to happen one way or another,” he said, adding that lower energy costs would ultimately help reduce water prices for farmers.
Other solutions could complement the project
At the same time, Martínez suggested that authorities should not rely on a single solution.
Instead, he proposed expanding solar generation through the installation of panels on industrial roofs, agricultural buildings and irrigation ponds.
In his view, combining several smaller projects could help reduce pressure on environmentally sensitive areas while still delivering the renewable energy required.
A wider regional debate
The discussion also forms part of a broader conversation about land use and infrastructure planning across the Vega Baja.
According to Martínez, many of the region’s biggest challenges, including waste management and environmental planning, require cooperation between municipalities rather than isolated decisions by individual councils.
Consequently, he called for renewed regional collaboration and the revival of a county-wide forum where local authorities could work together on long-term strategies.
For now, the debate remains far from settled. As plans for the desalination plant’s future energy supply continue to evolve, environmental groups, farmers, residents and local authorities are likely to remain divided over the best location for such a large photovoltaic development.
